In an episode of the Gut + Science podcast, host Nikki interviewed Mark McFatridge, the founder of Quade Circle, about the transformative power of executive peer groups. Their conversation shed light on how these groups can significantly impact leadership development and personal growth.
The Origin of Quade Circle
Mark’s journey into creating executive peer groups began with his own experience as a leader. In 2007, he joined the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and became part of an executive peer group. This experience proved to be life-changing, not only for him but for his family and business as well.
“I became exposed to the power of an executive peer group 15, almost 16 years ago now, and it just bled through,” Mark shared. “That was the foundation of how Quade came about in my mind.”
Filling a Gap in the Market
While YPO serves a specific demographic of business leaders, Mark recognized that many CEOs and business owners of smaller companies could benefit from similar peer group experiences. This realization led to the creation of Quade Circle, which aims to provide peer group opportunities without strict qualification requirements.
“We don’t have any minimum revenue requirements,” Mark explained. “We’re diverse in terms of not only race and gender, but age, industry, and revenue size.”
The Benefits of Peer Groups for Leaders
Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability
One of the key advantages of executive peer groups is the creation of a safe environment where leaders can be vulnerable and authentic. Nikki emphasized this point, stating, “I think it’s mandatory that leaders have places that they go individually and in groups to be able to let their guard down and share sometimes the loneliness, the challenges, the wins, all the things.”
Receiving Honest Feedback
Mark highlighted how peer groups provide a unique opportunity for leaders to receive candid feedback, which can be rare in their usual circles:
“Are they going to tell you the truth? Are they gonna be radically candid with you? It’s gonna be rare that you have a team full of people that will go to the boss and say, ‘Hey, look, I think you’re off base here.'”
Diverse Perspectives and Experiences
The diversity within Quaed Circle is intentional, as it allows members to benefit from a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. “That diversity of thought is really cool and allows everybody to not only benefit from being part of the peer group but also to share their experiences that make everybody in their group just a fuller person,” Mark noted.
Key Elements of a Successful Peer Group
Mark outlined several core pillars that contribute to a healthy, thriving executive peer group:
- Listen to understand, not to respond
- Share experiences, not lectures
- Respect differences
- Be curious, vulnerable, and honest
- Be present
- Be candid and empathetic
- Be yourself
“For me, most of all, just be yourself,” Mark emphasized. He shared a personal anecdote about how being part of an executive peer group helped him discover and embrace his authentic self, moving away from a stereotypical image of what he thought a bank president should be.
The Evolution of Peer Groups: Quade Circle and PeopleForward Network
A New Partnership
The podcast episode also highlighted an exciting new partnership between Quade Circle and PeopleForward Network (PFN). Nikki, representing PFN, explained the motivation behind this collaboration:
“We are here as a community to not just bring the best listener experience through podcasting content to help advance leaders to move people forward, but to help them have a community around them.”
The Importance of Continuous Growth and Learning
Throughout the conversation, both Nikki and Mark emphasized the importance of continuous growth and learning for leaders. Peer groups can push individuals out of their comfort zones and encourage them to set and achieve ambitious goals.
Nikki shared her personal experience with coaching, stating, “I started my coaching journey when I was 25. And so many times I’ll get a compliment on something and I’ll say, I learned this from my coach. Like I had to have someone else pour to me. I wasn’t born this way, for this strength that I now have.”
Embracing the Power of Peer Groups
As the conversation concluded, several key takeaways emerged:
- Peer groups are a necessity for leaders.
- Diversity in peer groups is crucial for gaining different perspectives.
- Getting uncomfortable is essential for growth.
- Listening to understand and sharing experiences are fundamental to successful peer interactions.
- Human connection and community are vital for personal and professional development.
Mark’s final thoughts encapsulated the excitement and potential of their new venture: “When you start looking at our initial roster of who’s gonna be in this group, it is diverse. It is unique, it is dreamers, innovators, people are gonna hold each other accountable. The conversations that are gonna be had with this initial group are just freaking phenomenal. I can’t wait to kick this thing off.”
As leaders continue to navigate the complexities of the modern business world, the insights shared by Mark and Nikki highlight the transformative power of executive peer groups. By providing a space for authentic connections, diverse perspectives, and mutual growth, these groups offer a valuable resource for leaders seeking to enhance their skills and make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | Episode 204: The Impact of Peer Groups with Mark McFatridge
Check out Mark’s podcast: Igniting the CEO Within.
Key Takeaways:
- Peer groups provide valuable support and accountability for leaders
- Quade Circles are rooted in sharing experiences and holding each other accountable
- Coaching, mentorship, and counseling are a MUST for growth
Things to listen for:
[00:03:35] How Mark was exposed to the power of an executive peer group
[00:03:55] The reason behind starting Quade Circles
[00:05:48] How diversity (not only race and gender) but also age, industry, and revenue size is one of the keys to the success of these groups.
